UK Approves Pfizer's Oral COVID-19 Treatment 'Paxlovid' for Use

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[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] The UK health authorities have approved the use of Pfizer's oral COVID-19 treatment, 'Paxlovid.'

Major foreign media outlets such as Bloomberg reported that on the 31st (local time), the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Pfizer's antiviral COVID-19 treatment.

'Paxlovid' is a representative oral COVID-19 treatment along with Merck's 'Molnupiravir.' It prevents the virus from replicating in the body, thereby reducing the severity of infection.

Pfizer stated that when 'Paxlovid' is taken within 3 days of symptom onset, the risk of hospitalization and death decreases by 89% compared to a placebo.

'Paxlovid' is prescribed to individuals aged 18 or older who exhibit mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms and have at least one risk factor such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or being over 60 years old.

Patients take the medication twice daily for 5 days, and clinical trial results showed the greatest effectiveness when taken at an early stage.

MHRA is currently analyzing the effectiveness against the Omicron variant together with Pfizer, according to foreign media reports.

The UK has ordered about 2 million courses of 'Paxlovid.' The UK was the first in the world to grant conditional use approval for Merck's 'Molnupiravir' earlier last month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.